A Russian Countess

I was named after a Russian countess, albeit a fictional one, from Danielle Steel’s novel Zoya. My
parents were completely enamoured with the protagonist. The Russian Revolution forced her to leave
behind a life of luxury and carve out a new one filled with hurdles. Now I can say with confidence,
though I wish otherwise, that I don't have a lot in common with Zoya Ossupov Konstantinova. To
begin with, I am not from a royal lineage, and I could only hope to be half as brave as her. I suppose it
is this courage, or perhaps her perseverance, that led to her becoming my role model for life.

However, when I was 11 years old, my mother told me I was going to have my name changed. In
essence, a name identifies oneself. Since it's an integral part of who you are, naturally, I found this
confusing. She explained that in today’s world, it is safer to have a culture agnostic name. Though I
couldn’t quite grasp what she meant at the moment, the weight of those words would eventually
become my strongest motivation to pursue journalism.

I have always loved writing. I was a shy child who struggled with self-esteem, so writing was not only
a hobby but also a medium of expression. I wrote what I could not speak. It wouldn't have mattered if
I had written the most intricate of haikus. If I were asked to recite the poem for Katha Utsav, I
wouldn't have been capable of it.

Eventually, I worked up the nerve to audition for the role of compering, for the annual function at our
school. I got the part and in the years since, I have compered every single event held at our school. A
little courage goes a long way.

My newfound love for public speaking in no way sidelined my pre-existing passion for writing. My
zeal for literature led me to establish a literature club at my school, which I shared with my peers and
fellow students. I volunteered in many projects focused on teaching writing skills to kids and was
nominated to serve as president of the editorial board of the student council. As President, I created
my school's first student-led magazine.

It became clear to me how well-suited my passion and commitment were for a career in journalism
when I won the high commendation award at a MUN for the international press. It was my first time
participation in Model United Nations. I became more interested in mass media and communications.
Three people played key roles in motivating me to pursue a career in the media: Ashok Alexander,
Shoma Chaudhary, and my mother. Alexander wrote a book that has stayed with me for years, A
Stranger Truth: Lessons in Love, Leadership and Courage from India's Sex Workers, which aims to
destigmatize the occupation of sex workers. As an aspiring journalist, I hope to Influence mindsets for
the better with truthful and unbiased work, just as he did. Ms. Chaudhary is a renowned journalist who
I interned with over the summer. She gave me valuable insight into the field of broadcast journalism.
Finally, my mother, who was invited as a panelist to the prestigious Harvard Business School, and
whose marvelous work has been recognized and published in newspapers time and again. She is by
far my biggest inspiration. It is her confidence and talent I strive to embody.

My goal is to grow into the kind of journalist that people rely on for the truth. The purpose of my
writing is to give voice to those who need it most, and tell their stories by doing their experiences
justice. Lastly, I hope to help create a world where no child has to fear her own name.
I am now the same age, seventeen, as Zoya Konstantinova was at the beginning of her book. Though I
now carry a different name, I hope to live up to her legacy and make my parents proud.